Avis allows web surfing and driving, let the accidents begin

For some reason, I thought Avis was already offering 3G data connectivity as an option in rentals, but I must have read that they were in the planning stages. Apparently, they’re ready for the implementation stage since BetaNews is reporting that Avis Connect is going live. For $10.95 a day in a very limited market, the car rental company offers mobile EV-DO access with a fallback to 1xRTT speeds for areas without EV-DO coverage. The first four locations offering the service are the airports in San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles and Newark. If you like the mobile access, you can always consider the same Autonet Mobile rig direct for $399 with a $50 monthly data plan; Autonet Mobile has plans to market the gear for those of us that just can’t unplug. According to the early press release in January of this year, the 3G device can be removed from the car and brought to your hotel room as well, making it an attractive alternative to in-room Internet services.

jkOTR Public Service announcement: under no circumstances do we recommend or endorse web surfing while driving even if you did buy the extra insurance from Avis.